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Explore Crete Differently — One Trail at a Time
Cretan Wild is about more than just running.
It’s about connection — with nature, with others, and with yourself.
We create outdoor experiences that show you the real Crete.
From peaceful coastal paths to wild mountain trails, every route is chosen with care and love for this island.
We offer trail running tours, guided hikes, multi-day retreats, and custom outdoor adventures across Crete.
Whether you’re looking for a short morning run, a full-day hike, or a week of movement and rest, we can tailor it to your pace and style.
Our trails take you from the sea to the summit.
You’ll move through gorges, wander into hidden villages, discover quiet beaches, and stand on mountaintops.
We welcome all levels — from curious beginners to experienced runners and adventurers.
Crete is full of natural beauty — but much of it remains untouched by tourism.
We’re here to guide you off the beaten path.
At Cretan Wild, we combine movement with meaning.
We believe that nature is a powerful place for healing, joy, and discovery.
Our trips are built around trail running, hiking, and outdoor wellness — but also local culture, traditional food, and authentic connection with the land and its people.
Every experience is designed to be safe, supportive, and personal.
We offer a selection of our most popular tours online, but there’s so much more to discover.
Looking for something unique?
We can create a custom plan just for you — from multi-day running retreats to private wellness escapes.
Want to come solo, with your family, or with a group?
We’ll make it work for you.
Reach out to start planning → [email protected]
We’d love to help you explore the wild side of Crete.
Hi, I’m Helen — founder of Cretan Wild.
I spent 20 years working in the corporate world — in finance, in cities, in stress.
Running changed everything.
I started at 39. Three years later, I ran across the entire state of Arizona — 840 miles in 17 days — and set a women’s world record.
But more important than the record was what I found on the trail: Freedom. Peace. Purpose.
I moved to Crete to be closer to nature, to my roots, and to a life that felt more real.
Here, I created Cretan Wild to share the joy and healing I found in movement, mountains, and community.
I believe movement is medicine — for the body, the mind, and the spirit.
I believe we all have the power to change our lives, no matter where we start.
And I believe that trail running (or walking, or hiking) in nature can open a path back to joy.
My goal is to help others reconnect with themselves — one trail at a time.
I guide people of all levels — from curious beginners to seasoned runners — through Crete’s wild landscapes.
Whether it’s a sunrise run, a multi-day retreat, or a silent walk at sunset, I’m here to help you move, breathe, and feel alive again.
The Rural Greece is an online portal that connects travellers with unique destinations and local businesses in the countryside, offering authentic experiences through activities that highlight nature, traditions and culture.
For the Rural Greece accessibility is fundamental to enhancing an inclusive tourism experience. Following the principles of inclusion and equality, the epaithros Rural Tourism Network and its member businesses are constantly working to enhance the tourism services provided, ensuring that all visitors have the opportunity to experience the authentic beauty of the Greek countryside.
Sustainability in tourism refers to a way of developing tourism that respects and protects the environment while strengthening the local economy and preserving cultural traditions. The aim of sustainable tourism is to provide unique and authentic experiences for visitors without harming the natural and social environment, while ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism activity.
This type of tourism is based on three pillars:
With sustainable tourism, visitors can have authentic experiences, knowing that the impact of tourism on the region is positive and lasting for future generations.
For Rural Greece, localism is one of the most important factors for the development of sustainable tourism, as it promotes a strong link between the tourism product and the local society, economy and culture. Through localism, visitors get the opportunity to explore authentic elements of the destination, such as local products, traditions and culture. This not only boosts the local economy, but also helps to sustain and strengthen local businesses, creating new jobs and supporting the development of local communities.
Furthermore, localism contributes to the sustainability of the tourism sector, as it reduces the use of resources from other regions and encourages the use of local goods and services, reducing the ecological footprint of tourism activities. Thus, integrating localism into tourism practices enhances sustainability awareness, both among visitors and local businesses, creating a more responsible and sustainable tourism destination.
